Depression

Definition

Depression is also known as unipolar disorder. Major depression is a syndrome of persistently sad, dysphoric mood, and it may be occur due to disturbances in sleep and appetite, lethargy, and an inability to experience pleasure. It affects both sexes, but is more common in women. Depression has various types such as Major depression, Dysthymia, Unspecified Depression, Adjustment Disorder with Depression, Bipolar Disorder. In which Major Depression, it is characterized by a combination of symptoms such as sad mood, that interfere with the ability to work, eat, and enjoy once-pleasurable activities. In which Dysthymia Disorder, it is a less severe type of depression. It involves long-term symptoms that do not disable, but yet prevent the affected person from functioning at "full steam" or from feeling good. This combination of the two types of depression is referred to as double-depression. In which Unspecified Depression, it is used to help researchers who are studying other specific types of depression, and do not want their data confounded with marginal diagnoses. It includes people with a serious depression, but not quite severe enough to have a diagnosis of a major depression. It also includes people with chronic, moderate depression, which has not been present long enough for a diagnosis of a Dysthymic disorder. Other Adjustment Disorder, with Depression, in which it describes depression that occurs in response to a major life stressor or crisis.

Causes of depression

• Genetic may include feelings of helplessness and vulnerability, anger, hopelessness and pessimism, and low self-esteem.
• Familial
• Biochemical
• Physical
• Psychological such as feelings of helplessness and vulnerability, anger, hopelessness and low self-esteem.
• Social

Depression may also be occur due to other medical condition such as:

• Metabolic disturbances, such as hypoxia and hypercalcemia
• Musculoskeletal disorders such as degenerative arthritis
• Collagen vascular diseases such as lupus
• Viral and bacterial infections, such as influenza and pneumonia
• Endocrine disorders, such as diabetes and Cushing's syndrome
• GI disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome
• Neurologic diseases, such as Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease
• Cancer
• Pulmonary disorders such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
• Cardiovascular disorders such as heart failure
• Genitourinary problems such as incontinence
• Anemia's.

Symptoms of depression

• Increase or a decrease in appetite
• Sleep disturbances
• A lack of interest in sexual activity
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Agitation
• Reduced psychomotor activity

Treatment of depression

• You can use various home remedies to treat depression. You may visit this website to get all detailed home remedies.
• You can use drug therapy for the treatment of depression, In which drug therapy include tricyclic antidepressants  such as amitriptyline. It is most widely used class of antidepressant drugs. It prevent the reuptake of norepinephrine or serotonin  into the presynaptic nerve endings, and resulting in increased synaptic concentrations of these neurotransmitters.
• Another treatment for this disease include electroconvulsive therapy. When a depressed patient is incapadtated, suiddal, or psychotically depressed or when antidepressants are contraindicated or ineffective, ECT commonly is the treatment of choice for depression.
• You can also use psychotherapy. Many psychiatrists believe that the best results are achieved with a combination of individual, family, or group psychotherapy and medication.